I did find the auditorium to be a bit too cold, but the sound and picture quality was excellent. The armrests can be lifted if you'd like to snuggle with your companion and there is about six feet between rows so getting in and out is easy. In the actual theater, you'll find over-sized power recliners with leather, a footrest, and a little built-in table. In addition to standard movie fare like popcorn and candy, there is a big menu of sandwhiches, salads, and appetizers. For those wanting something stronger, it appears the full bar is well-stocked. Soda fountains are self-serve, have a huge variety, and refills are unlimited. Concessions are pricey, but typical for most theaters these days. Seating is reserved for all shows so be prepared to choose a seat without seeing the theater first. Inside, there is just a small desk like the concierge would have at a fancy hotel that sells the tickets. Instead of a typical box office, there are self-serve ticket machines like ATMs outside. I love every thing about this upscale theater.Curious though, the Bruehouse 410 and Perrin Beitel, why do they charge a service charge on food? Your theater doesn't so I assume it's because we pick up our own food instead of having it brought to the theater by a server?įor the uninitiated, this theater is a bit odd. It's like having your own private home theater. They serve a full menu along with your typical movie snacks. I love the extra large leather recliner seats, lots of leg room and the fact you can choose your own seat not worrying about beating the rush to get your perfect seat. It is hard to explain, but you will notice it right away. The bathrooms are very beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, ALWAYS! The Bijou theater has been part of the Santikos family since December 1987, and over the past 35 years it has become. They actually have a chef preparing your food, a pizza oven, fire a blazing, not over processed microwave stuff.I have my lunch there and the prices are comparable to most restaurant lunch prices. Santikos’ Northwest theater at 7600 Interstate 10 West is close by. So much better than the JUNK FOOD ,buttery high calorie heart attack popcorn elsewhere. The staff is always friendly, helpful.The food is great(wings) is my favorite. WhenI first walked in I said "wow", from the beautiful chandeliers to theĭecatant bar, photos of prominent stars back in the 40's -60's. Santikos owns and operates 10 theaters in the San Antonio area.I don't find this theater "ODD " as one expressed but rather a perfect amibance reminiscent of the era of the oldies actors/ movies. “These are exciting times for Santikos, we opened two new theaters this year, Santikos New Braunfels and Santikos Westlakes, we just finished a remodel of our IMAX auditorium at Palladium, we have plans to announce future developments and remodels later this year, and we remain the most financially sound theater operator in the country,” Brooks said. Starting this summer, “Bijou Series” art films will be shown across all Santikos theaters. Santikos will continue to support independent filmmakers and art films. “We’re also pleased to continue serving the Balcones Heights community with our Santikos Northwest Theater, located just across the highway, less than 1 mile away from the Bijou,” Brooks said. Santikos has operated the Bijou since December 1987.īrooks said while the company is sad to announce its closing, they’re excited about the future of Santikos. “It’s this changing dynamic of art films, and our lease coming up for renewal that led to the decision to close The Bijou,” Brooks said. “There was a record bidding war between Amazon, Netflix and Apple, and Apple won with a $25 million purchase.”Īs art films are exploring new ways to be profitable and gain exposure, it’s not always going to mean that they get shown in traditional theater settings. “‘CODA’ which won Best Movie (at the Oscars) was allowed to play in our theaters for only one week prior to opening on Apple,” Brooks said. The theater was located at Wonderland of the Americas in Balcones Heights.Īndrew Brooks, the executive director of sales and marketing for Santikos, confirmed the closure on Tuesday, saying the closure was due, in part, to the changing art-film dynamic during the COVID-19 pandemic. BALCONES HEIGHTS, Texas – The Bijou theater, San Antonio’s arthouse theater, is closing its doors after 35 years.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |